How to Guard Your 'Yes' and Get More Productive

A year ago, my wife signed me up for a drop-in improv workshop. After just one class, I was hooked. Soon, I was taking weekly classes, going to shows, and pretty much out of the house several nights a week.

At the same time, I began hosting monthly dinners with my friends at different local restaurants, I was in the gym each morning, and I was writing on the weekends. On top of it all, I was getting more tasks to do at work.

Life was busy...a little too busy. I couldn’t remember the last time my wife and I just sat on the couch to watch TV or share a laugh together. When she’d ask, “What’s your plan for the week?”. I didn’t hear what she really meant: “How are we scheduling in each other this week?” My relationship was suffering. Something had to give.

Something had to give.

I took an honest inventory of how I was spending my waking hours, and I accepted that I was doing too much. Sure, I enjoyed everything I was doing—but I wasn’t carving out enough time to help the most important parts of my life flourish.

Eventually, my wife and I added intentional “us” time. We planned trips, weekend getaways, and staycations months in advance. We both have stressful and busy jobs, so we were intentional about getting the important dates on the calendar ahead of time. As I began to prioritize my relationship more, I told my wife that I valued her and what we we’re working to build. I found that I was no longer just busy, I was productive and feeling fulfilled in my personal relationships.

What I learned from all this: We simply can’t do it all. Every time we say yes to something, we’re saying no to something. If we’re not careful, our relationships might suffer, our health might decline, and we might end up way off of our center. What’s helped me and what continues to help me is considering what I want to say HECK yes to.

Every time we say yes to something, we’re saying no to something else.

Whenever I’m doing date night with my wife, I say heck yes by turning off my phone and being completely present. I say heck yes to my health by committing to going to the gym each weekday morning. When we fully put ourselves into the things we care about, we reap greater rewards. We’re more efficient, effective, and we get to enjoy the experience. And even though it might sound counterintuitive, when we take time to focus on one thing at a time, we can be more productive.

Here’s are some things I consider to be more productive and optimize—and appreciate—my use of time:

1. Guard Your 'Yes' and Own Your 'No'

If you commit to something, be present and show up for it. But remember: You get to say no. People respect you when you’re honest about what you want to do, and where you’d rather not put your time. You get to be selfish and pour into your own life. Give yourself permission to say no to protect your time.

I get up early so that I have enough time to journal, meditate, and write down things I’m thankful for. What time of the day would work best for you to do this? I suggest starting small and putting 10-15 minutes of YOU time on your calendar.

3. Protect Your Calendar Like It’s the Last Bite of Dessert

It’s imperative that we establish healthy boundaries with others and make sure we’re keeping track of everything we’re planning to do. I challenge you to take a peek at your calendar right now, and ask yourself: “Does my schedule for the week reflect my values?”

4. Be Here Now

It’s so easy to get caught up in our three-page long to-do lists. We are responsible individuals who want to get it all done—as we’re crossing things off our list. I challenge myself to be present during staff meetings and 1:1 meetings. I’ll silence my phone, take notes in a notebook, and practice active listening.

Being more productive doesn’t simply mean just doing more. It means doing more of what we care about. You already have everything you need to shift where you’re putting your energy and time, and to say yes more to yourself. I’m rooting for you. Now go, and get your Shine on!

Want some help getting productive? We got you. Check out Sinclair's Get Productive challenge in the brand new Shine iOS app. Here's a little preview for you:

Sinclair Ceasar is a speaker, podcaster, and higher ed professional committed to helping people live a better story, and be more hopeful. He sends weekly inspirational emails to over 2,000 readers each Monday.